RF. Princess Diana’s Friend Says Meghan Markle Is A ‘Female Empowerment Pioneer’ Like The Late Princess

More than 25 years after her tragic passing, Princess Diana remains one of the most influential figures in modern royal history. Her humanitarian work, openness about mental health, and efforts to challenge outdated traditions within the monarchy left a lasting impression around the world. In recent years, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has drawn comparisons to Diana due to her own public advocacy and experiences within the royal family.

These comparisons, discussed in both mainstream and royal-focused media, highlight the evolving role of women in the monarchy, especially those who use their platforms to speak on issues like mental health, racial equity, and gender empowerment.

Meghan Markle’s Public Advocacy and Media Presence

Meghan Markle joined the British royal family following her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. A former actress and philanthropist, Meghan entered the global spotlight not just as a royal figure but as a public advocate for social causes.

Since stepping back from official royal duties in early 2020, Meghan has continued to support causes such as:

• Mental health awareness
• Women’s empowerment and gender equity
• Workplace equity and paid parental leave
• Diversity in media representation

She co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Prince Harry, an organization focused on compassionate community building and impact-driven initiatives. Archewell has partnered with groups such as World Central Kitchen, Mind, and the Center for Humane Technology to promote mental health, digital well-being, and humanitarian relief.

In a notable public appearance in March 2021, Meghan and Harry were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. During the conversation, Meghan spoke openly about her personal experiences with mental health and life inside the royal institution. The interview drew comparisons to Princess Diana’s landmark 1995 BBC interview with journalist Martin Bashir, where the late princess also spoke candidly about emotional struggles and the pressures of royal life.

Diana’s Legacy in Advocacy and Transparency

Princess Diana, known as the “People’s Princess,” changed public perceptions of the royal family by expressing vulnerability and connecting emotionally with the public. She was especially known for:

• Campaigning against landmines through the HALO Trust
• Raising awareness of HIV/AIDS during a time of widespread stigma
• Advocating for mental health and the well-being of children
• Supporting marginalized communities through hands-on charity work

Diana’s efforts humanized the monarchy and made royal outreach more relatable. According to biographers and royal historians, she was among the first senior royals to openly challenge long-held royal traditions by choosing authenticity over protocol.

Common Ground: Public Vulnerability and Social Advocacy

While their contexts and challenges differ, both Princess Diana and Meghan have used their platforms to raise awareness about difficult subjects. Meghan’s openness about facing racial discrimination and mental health struggles resonated with many around the world, particularly among communities that have historically felt underrepresented.

In “The Me You Can’t See”, a mental health documentary co-produced by Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry, Harry elaborated on the pressures that both his wife and mother faced. He addressed the emotional toll of media coverage and the need for improved mental health support—a theme that aligns with Diana’s efforts to reduce stigma around emotional well-being.

Reactions from Royal Commentators and Public Figures

While the British public and media landscape remain divided in their opinions about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, several commentators have acknowledged parallels between Meghan and Diana. Stewart Pearce, a respected vocal coach who worked with Princess Diana in the 1990s, has spoken in multiple interviews about Diana’s commitment to liberation, empowerment, and authenticity. Pearce has expressed the view that Meghan carries a similar spirit in her approach to modern issues.

Pearce, who authored Diana: The Voice of Change, has previously remarked on Meghan’s courage in addressing personal and public challenges in a high-pressure environment. While personal opinions may vary, the comparison highlights a broader point: both women have used their platforms to raise awareness and push for more compassion-driven discourse around public life and well-being.

Media Challenges and the Role of Race

From the beginning of her relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan faced intense media attention. In October 2016, shortly after their relationship became public, Kensington Palace released an official statement on Harry’s behalf, condemning what it described as “abuse and harassment” from certain sectors of the press. The statement specifically called out racial undertones and attempts to smear Meghan’s character.

Coverage by The Guardian, BBC, and The Independent confirmed the unprecedented nature of the statement. It marked a rare moment when a royal spokesperson directly challenged the media narrative, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

The pressures of public scrutiny reportedly contributed to Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from senior royal roles in 2020. They have since established independent lives in California, where they continue their charitable and media work.

A New Model for Royal Engagement?

Although Meghan and Harry no longer represent the Crown in an official capacity, their work remains focused on compassionate leadership and modern advocacy. Through initiatives like Archewell Audio and partnerships with organizations such as BetterUp, they continue to promote mental health, support underserved communities, and foster inclusive dialogue.

This approach reflects a broader trend within and beyond the royal family: a shift toward transparency, personal storytelling, and community-driven action. Princess Diana laid much of the groundwork for this approach in the 1990s, and Meghan’s path appears to build on that legacy—though shaped by today’s global, digital world.

A Family Perspective

While much public attention is placed on Meghan’s relationship with the late Princess Diana, it’s important to remember that Prince Harry has been deeply influenced by his mother’s humanitarian values. In interviews, he has often described her as a guiding force in his life and work.

As the royal family continues to evolve under the reign of King Charles III, there is ongoing interest in how individual members—both inside and outside of official roles—will contribute to a more inclusive and relevant monarchy.

Conclusion

While the challenges and circumstances of Meghan Markle and Princess Diana are distinct, both women have made significant impacts through their commitment to mental health advocacy, female empowerment, and compassionate leadership. Through personal resilience and public service, each has contributed to reshaping expectations of what it means to be a modern royal—or a public figure with global influence.

As public conversation around equity, transparency, and emotional well-being continues, the parallels between their work offer a meaningful reflection on how change is shaped not just through titles or tradition, but through courage and purpose.

Verified Sources:

• Royal.uk – The Official Website of The Royal Family
• BBC News – Royal Family Coverage
• The Guardian – Meghan Markle and the Media
• The Independent – Race and the Royals
• The Oprah Conversation – Apple TV+
• Archewell Foundation